Rapidshare vs. Megaupload vs. Hotfile: File Sharing reCompared

By reComparison Contributor

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Difference between Rapidshare, Megaupload and Hotfile

File sharing is all the rage nowadays if you haven’t heard, and sites such as Rapidshare, Megaupload and now Hotfile are key destinations for many a web denizen. All three sites offer similar services and you should be covered for most of your file sharing needs regardless of which one you go for. Nevertheless, they do have their differences, as you will see from this comparison article.

Profile

Rapidshare is a German company that offers one-click hosting services. The company offers both free and paid services, and makes its revenue from subscriptions fees paid by its users.

Megaupload is based in Hong Kong, and it was set up in 2005 for the sole purpose of allowing users to upload and download files. The company also offers a video browsing service called Megavideo, and an adult oriented service called Megaporn.

Hotfile is a company that offers a variety of file sharing services. Hotfile users can easily upload files and send the link to contacts. Hotfile also offers users the opportunity to earn money from its various affiliate programs.

Storage Space

Rapidshare offers users a maximum upload cap of 200 MB for the free services, and 2 GB for paid subscribers. Megaupload users are allowed to download and upload files up to 1024MB in size, with paid users given considerably more storage space. Hotfile for its part allows users to upload as much as 2GB.

Rewards

Rapidshare previously had a rewards program, although this was discontinued in March 2010. This has resulted in many users opting to move to another file storage service. Nevertheless, it would still be a good idea to go for the premium/paid services at Rapidshare, since this will allow you to download several files at the same time.

Megaupload gives users 1 reward point for every download, with a few restrictions. For instance, you will have to be a paid subscriber in order to actually earn anything, and you are restricted from uploading any content that is in violation of the company’s terms of se. Files larger than 100 MB also don’t get you any reward points.

Just as with the other services, Hotfile requires you to have a paid account before you can earn money for downloads. That being said, Hotfile does offer a better reward program, in that users are paid $2 to $15 (2010) for every 1,000 downloads, depending on the program that they sign up for. Programs offered are Copper, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

Summary

Rapidshare

A German company that offers one-click hosting services

Offers both free and paid services

Maximum upload cap of 200 MB for the free services and 2 GB for paid subscribers

Megaupload

Based in Hong Kong

Was set up in 2005 for the sole purpose of allowing users to upload and download files

Free users are allowed to download and upload files up to 1024MB in size

Hotfile

Offers a variety of file sharing services

Offers users the opportunity to earn money from its various affiliate programs